The Gospel Magnificat
Preservation & Publication Project
The Gospel Magnificat Preservation & Publication Project aims to transcribe, engrave, and publish composer Kent Stevenson’s masterwork oratorio, The Gospel Magnificat, ensuring its permanent preservation and accessibility to choirs and institutions worldwide. Kent Stevenson is a legendary elder statesman of Seattle’s Black gospel scene, and The Gospel Magnificat represents a sophisticated fusion of gospel, blues, jazz, and classical traditions.
Kent, along with Shades of Praise gospel choir (which he conducts at St. Therese Parish in Madrona), has performed the oratorio over the last two years in Seattle. It was originally commissioned by Fred West and City Cantabile Choir, which sought a different type of Magnificat to sing alongside J.S. Bach's celebrated work.
The Seattle Times profiled Kent and the Magnificat story in December, 2025.
The Gospel Magnificat Preservation & Publication Project is a fiscally sponsored project of the Allied Arts Foundation.
If you'd prefer to donate by check, please make check payable to "Allied Arts Foundation" and indicate "Gospel Magnificat" in the memo line.
Checks can be mailed to:
Allied Arts Foundation
2212 Queen Anne Ave N #759
Seattle, WA 98109